The Constitution in the Supreme Court: Article IV and Federal Powers, 1836-1864

Continuing his critical analysis of the constitutional decisions of the Taney period, Professor Currie examines cases involving the privileges and immunities clause, fugitives from slavery and criminal prosecution, and intergovernmental immunities, as well as cases dealing with the scope of federal judicial and legislative powers. In these decisions, with the glaring exception of Scott v. Sandford, he finds additional evidence that in general the Taney Court continued to enforce constitutional limitations vigorously against the states and to construe federal authority generously.